Klein in line to face Crompton

ALAN DUROSE... back to captain Royton after serving one-match ban.

CRICKET: CROMPTON were expecting to face rising New Zealand star Luke Woodcock in the second round of Lake Garage CLL matches on Sunday (1.15pm).

But the Rochdale professional’s contract has been torn up following his selection for two New Zealand mid-summer tours.

Rochdale were never going to accept such inconvenience and have acted quickly to secure a replacement in Dieter Klein, a left-arm quick bowler from Western Province, South Africa. He is expected to arrive in time for Sunday’s game at Redbrook.

Crompton, like local rivals Werneth and Oldham, will be looking to get off the mark following Sunday’s home defeat at the hands of Heywood.

Werneth came in for some over-the-top criticism following their capitulation at Littleborough.

Admittedly, being bowled out for 48 is pretty poor, but one game into the season is not the time to judge and the visit of Ashton to the Coppice gives them decent prospects of bouncing back.

Oldham lacked a cutting edge against Unsworth and will need to move up a gear if they are to win at a Walsden side who know how to make the most of their runs-friendly ground.

But Royton will be full of confidence at home to Littleborough following their eight-wicket breeze at Monton and Weaste.

New skipper Alan Durose leads the team following his one-match ban and will be aware that a Boro outfit containing the likes of Clinton Perron and Warron Williams commands plenty of respect.